We’re looking forward to introducing you to Boris Garbe. Check out our conversation below.
Boris, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What battle are you avoiding?
You know, that is an interesting question. Lately, I have been going through some issues, and while I am definitely aware of what is happening to me, I am still in denial a bit. The battle I am trying very hard to avoid is not being true to myself and my ideals. When I was younger, I would put things on the psychological back burner because of the luxury of time, now as a man about to turn 60, I see more problems than opportunities. That is not to say that I am not positive and excited about the future, I believe we are living in times where things are being built and born right in front of our eyes. Growing older has deepened my relationships, it has made it easier for me to recognize and accept happiness, and it has cleared my priorities. Growing older is a gift.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My life has been incredibly exciting and filled with blessings. I have lived in three countries (Germany, Nicaragua and now the US) and I feel that I am a citizen of the world. I love learning about other cultures, and I believe it is our duty, almost, to try and see more of what the world is offering us. I was a teacher for 15 years and I taught Spanish and Sign Language, then I was one of Orlando’s first Green Realtors, and then I became a Gallerist at The Mills Gallery.
Working at Mills has become a Life Mission since it showed me the path I want to continue on: Helping Artists find their Voice.
What does that mean? Simply put, most emerging artists do not know how to talk either about themselves, their art, or what it is that they are trying to bring into the world through their creations. Making art is not just about the work itself, it is about being able to talk about it with the buyers and collectors. Making art is a life choice.
I have tried very hard to create an art space that is allows people to openly questions both the art and the process at the same time. It is the only way to learn. My joy is to bring people the understanding that liking art is not something you have to study or prepare for. Allow yourself to fall in love with a work of art and take it home.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Love that questions! I so understand what it means to be a mentor. Both my dad and my mom have always been my greatest teachers and cheerleaders. However, a great tragedy that I have to acknowledge is that I did not always recognize the many people who tried to help me along the way. I was close minded and thick headed, not a great combination. Eventually people broke though and made me realize that they held clues to help me get to the next level.
I talk to, and try to mentor, as many people as I can here at Mills Gallery. I either talk to them about the meaning of their work, or how to talk about and sell their creations.
I have understood the power of helping or hurting somebody’s growing perception of their skills. My job is to encourage others and point out the positives in their art.
Today I know who I am. And that is healthy.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes! It is an interesting experience when a stranger, somebody you have never met, gives you their full attention and time. It is an honor to share what I have learned with others, and it is a blessing to listen to other people’s experiences when they talk to me.
Being heard has always been crucial for feeling validated. When my voice is being acknowledged, I am more likely to allow myself to open up and contribute to the situation.
I believe most of us are not being listened to. We walk though life with all of our cool stories, interesting knowledge and fun experiences…however, we never get to discuss them with others. Becoming a better listener is absolutely necessary in order to “play” in today’s youth-oriented society. Listening to the new voices and ideas is always the solution.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
For a long time, my public persona or “avatar”, was somewhat disconnected from the real me. Boris the public person has always been kinder, nicer, and more approachable. In many ways, the persona I presented to the public was the best version of me possible. I wanted to be that guy, I really did.
With time and with plenty of positive and negative experiences, I have learned to integrate the public and private me into a cohesive form. The main problem was the tension between my various personas and it was creating issues of stress and me not feeling authentic. Living two lives is not easy, and living a lie is really uncomfortable.
Fortunately, that is not my problem. If anything, it was Impostor Syndrome. Was I interesting enough to hold somebody’s attention? Was I qualified enough to give a speech? Did I really have the right to give unsolicited advice about somebody’s work? I decided to say YES to all those. Because I came from a direction of helping and wanting for people to learn from my experiences.. If you do not speak from authenticity or from a place of wanting to do good, then it’s probably not meant to be heard.
One of the things that has helped me with this issue is that being surrounded by authentic, real people helps reminding me of who I am. I am lucky to work with amazing people such as:
Curator and Artist in Residence Kristy Lee, Photographer Juan David Tena, and Artist in residence Hala Kusiak. All three of these individuals bring their hearts and soul to Mills Gallery. They show me their truth through the art that they create, they make it easier for me to be.
Juan Pablo Santa Luna came into our lives at just the right time. He had visions for Mills that I did not see, or even comprehend. His leadership has taken this gallery to greater heights.
Ambar Santiago is our new Operations Assistant and she has been a God send. Her expertise at organizing and keeping all of us calm is what makes her invaluable to us.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Regrets are not easy. However, I know two things that really have tortured me.
For one things, I would have liked to pay more attention to my family members that are no longer with us. I would have loved to record my grandmothers and grandfather. I would have asked more questions about them, which would have allowed me to have more stories about them.
The second thing I regret is not having been more vulnerable to other people. For a long time I was cold and distant, now I am aware that I was protecting myself. I failed to connect with people who offered me real friendship, I wasn’t looking for that so I didn’t pay attention to the opportunities when they presented themselves.
Regrets are valuable learning experiences that help us understand some of the choices we made along the way.
The best story I have about not ending up with another giant regret is when I decided to go ahead and create a new podcast for 81 year old sensation Linda Hobby. When I met this wonderful woman, I immediately fell in love with Linda’s energy and her ability to take a room hostage through the power of her personality. I teamed with with Rhys Lynn, founder and publisher of NONAHOOD NEWS to create a new Podcast titled: Linda Hobby: Old Enough To Know Better. In this show, Linda will talk to people of all ages and discuss the irrational fear of aging and death that we all suffer from. We are so excited since one of her first guests will be Deepak Chopra. You will be reading more about Linda Hobby very soon.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Juan David Tena
Marvin Welch
